Metalshub Summit 2025 in Essen focuses on digitalisation and sustainability

by David Fleschen

The Metalshub Summit 2025 opened its doors today at the historic Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site in Essen, welcoming more than 100 professionals from the global metals, mining, and recycling industries. Organized by Metalshub, a digital platform for metals and mining supply chains, the two-day conference centers on the theme “Digitalisation & Sustainability in Metals, Mining, and Recycling.”

The event brings together a diverse group of participants including industry leaders, technology providers, and sustainability experts. Through a series of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions, attendees are addressing key industry topics such as decarbonisation, digital transformation, supply chain transparency, and innovation in recycling.

Key Themes and Presentations

The Summit opened with remarks from Metalshub co-founders Dr. Sebastian Kreft and Dr. Frank Jackel, followed by a keynote from Roland Gauß of EIT RawMaterials, who spoke on challenges facing Europe’s raw materials strategy.

Highlighted sessions from the first day included:

  • Decarbonisation in Manganese Production: Tatiana Lengrand (Eramet) outlined approaches for reducing emissions in alloy manufacturing.

  • Digital Supply Chains: Ricardo João Dominguez (RHI Magnesita) shared insights into the company’s use of digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and planning.

  • Lithium Market Transparency: Peter Hannah (Albemarle) discussed developments in price discovery mechanisms for battery metals.

  • Recycling Innovation: A panel featuring representatives from Green Li-ion, ScrapAd, Lang Recycling, and tozero examined challenges and opportunities in advancing circularity.

The program continues on the second day with contributions from Voestalpine, Anglo American, BigMint, and GMH Gruppe, concluding with a panel on automotive supply chain decarbonisation. Panelists include experts from Fast Forward Zero, LME, Lech-Stahlwerke, and other industry organizations.

Sector Collaboration in Focus

The Summit emphasizes cross-sector collaboration as a driver of progress, particularly in the face of evolving environmental and geopolitical pressures. According to the organizers, the aim is to foster practical dialogue on how digital tools and sustainable practices can be scaled across the industry.

Participants will also engage in site visits and guided tours of the Zollverein industrial complex, offering opportunities for informal exchange across representatives from the aluminium, steel, copper, battery metals, and refractory materials sectors.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Held amid ongoing shifts in global trade, resource access, and climate policy, Metalshub Summit 2025 underscores the need for coordinated strategies to transition the metals and mining industry toward more resilient and environmentally responsible operations. With contributions from a wide range of stakeholders, the event aims to identify actionable solutions that can guide the sector through its next phase of transformation.

Source and Photo: Metalshub